How the NSW Government is Saving you Money in 2019

Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra and South Coast and Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP has today welcomed new laws in New South Wales that are set to ease the cost of living burden from 1 January 2019.

Mr Ward said that the New South Wales Liberal Government is working hard to make sure that the financial burden placed on families can be reduced as much as possible.

“This time of year is always tough on the hip pocket, so it’s good to know that there are ways in which savings can be had,” Mr Ward said.

“Similar to last year’s Active Kids rebate, we are launching the Creative Kids rebate, which will provide families with a $100 rebate to help subsidise the cost of children’s creative and cultural activities, including music lessons, language classes, visual arts and performing arts.

Starting in 2019, all children will have two years of subsidised preschool education, saving families up to $800 a year.

“Previously, preschool was only subsidised for children in the year before school, but now, children can have two days per week of preschool subsidised for two years.

“We are also seeing a ‘grace period’ for New South Wales State Government parking fines, in which motorists will not be fined provided that a ticket for at least an hour’s duration was purchased and I call on local councils to implement similar provisions.

The New South Wales Government is also providing a ‘baby bundle’ to parents of newborn babies born from 1 January.

“In addition, domestic and family violence victims who are State Government employees can receive up to ten days of paid domestic violence leave.

“People in these circumstances need as much support as possible.

“Because we have worked hard to build a strong economy, everyone can share in the success of our State. I want a New South Wales where no person, business, or family is left behind,” Mr Ward concluded.